Date: 2/24/11
Contact: Doug Nielsen
Phone: (702) 486-5127 x 3500

HUNTER EDUCATION CLASSES NOW AVAILABLE

Anyone planning to participate in Nevada's annual big game tag draw this spring will need to complete an official Hunter Education course if they were born after Jan. 1 1960 and haven't already done so. Without a valid Hunter Education certificate would-be hunters won't be able to purchase a Nevada hunting license, which means they can't participate in the draw.

Hunter Education courses are offered year round through the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). The class schedule and course information is available online at the agency's website -- www.ndow.org. Registration is required and must be completed online as well. The class fee is $5.

The highest demand for classes comes between now and the middle of April when tag applications are due. Martin Olson, Hunter Education Coordinator for NDOW, says he wouldn't wait too long to register and complete the course.

"We offer more than 80 classes throughout the year in the Southern Region alone, and many of those are scheduled between January 1 and the tag application deadline," Olson said. "But every year we have some people who wait until the absolute last minute to register for a class and then become angry when they are full. It's best to start early."

Nevada's Hunter Education course consists of two parts. The first is a home study component and the second is a traditional in-class experience. Students will need to obtain a work book and its companion field guide to complete the home study portion of the class. The workbook must be completed before the student arrives for class. The home study portion of the class also can be completed online at www.hunter-ed.com or www.hunterexam.com. There is a fee associated with these websites.

In addition to the principles of safe gun handling, students are introduced to outdoor ethics, principles of wildlife management and the basics of wilderness survival.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW's wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen's license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.